In this special episode, Joe Davis takes you behind the scenes of the massive prep underway for The National — the biggest event of the year in the sports card hobby. From booth setup to inventory madness, Joe shares what it really takes to prepare for the show (spoiler: the real hustle happens before the doors open).

Get a sneak peek at what Got Baseball Cards is bringing to Chicago — from bargain boxes and vintage gems to freshly graded slabs and even graded comics. Joe also gives valuable tips for navigating the show like a pro, including how to plan your buying strategy and why the right shoes might save your entire trip.

Plus, hear about:

• Exclusive services being offered at the Got Baseball Cards booth

• Rare cards they’ll have on display — including some legendary rookies...

• The mission behind their presence at the National

And don't miss the major announcement dropping on Thursday, July 31st, first on this podcast.

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe returns from the massive 960-table Nashville Card Show with fresh insights and excitement about the state of the hobby. Joe shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show floor — from booming vintage sales and abundant grading submissions to a shocking twist involving a “signed” Shohei Ohtani baseball.

Get Joe’s firsthand take on:

• Why Pokémon is dominating grading submissions like never before

• The rise of vintage set builders and how old-school cardboard is still holding strong

• An honest look at a missed $12K opportunity with a '93 Finest Refractor set

• The story behind “the notebook” filled with Wacky Packages, Marvel stickers & Happy Days nostalgia

• Why Friday and Sunday beat out Saturday for best sales days

• A sneak peek at a brand-new product launch dropping really soon

Plus, hear how grading demand surged, how Joe’s team managed the rush, and what this all means for the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. If you’re heading to the National, don’t miss the preview coming in the next episode.

Joe Davis is cracking open the vault of nostalgia in this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe—and this time, it's personal. With decades of firsthand experience and a deep love for the hobby, Joe walks you through the iconic rookie cards that defined the 1980s, year by year. From the electric debut of Rickey Henderson to the hobby-shifting arrival of Ken Griffey Jr., this episode covers the key cards, memorable players, and the untold stories behind the cardboard.

You’ll also hear about:

• The rookie card that once sent Joe and his team to Disney World 🌟

• What made 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly the card to chase

• Which rookies got left out of key sets—and how that shaped the market

• Joe’s personal missteps, grading lessons, and why centering matters and not just corners

And of course, don’t miss Joe’s definitive Top 10 list of 1980s rookie cards.

In this episode, Joe shares an unforgettable experience with Gary, an 83-year-old collector who drove 14 hours from New York with just one banker box?

Nearly 400 cards were submitted for PSA grading, many in surprisingly high condition. And just a day later? Another collector walked in with a Jackie Robinson high number and Willie Mays rookie—solidifying it as a 1952 Topps kind of week.

Joe reflects on the power of these hidden collections, the joy of helping longtime collectors, and reminds us: they’re still out there.

In this inspiring episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis shares one of the most impactful business principles he's ever applied—the Parthenon Approach. Rooted in a lesson learned decades ago from marketing legend Jay Abraham, Joe unpacks how building a business on multiple pillars of support—not just one—can be the key to long-term success, stability, and adaptability.

Whether you’re a sports card retailer, a team leader, or simply someone looking to grow something meaningful, Joe’s reflections offer more than just shop talk. Through personal stories and real-world examples from the sports card industry and beyond, you’ll learn how diversifying your operations—without losing focus—can protect and strengthen your business.

This episode isn’t about rookie card trends or grading stats—it's about big-picture thinking that can transform how you approach leadership and growth.

Tune in to discover:

• What the Parthenon Approach is—and why it matters

• How Joe’s business grew stronger by expanding its pillars

• What happens when a business relies on just one leg of support

• Why servant leadership is essential to every successful structure

This one’s packed with practical wisdom and encouragement—don’t miss it!

On this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes us on a journey—from the bustling card shows of 1988 to the overwhelming diversity of today’s modern hobby. With nearly four decades of experience in the sports card industry, Joe shares why finding your niche as a collector, dealer, or investor isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether you're new to the hobby, a seasoned reseller, or just love cracking open boxes on the weekend, Joe reveals a powerful mindset shift that can help you enjoy the hobby more and make smarter decisions. Plus, hear the nostalgic story of $10 Magic/Bird rookies, and why even Joe himself can’t keep up with every new release (and that’s saying something!).

Beyond the cardboard, Joe drops life wisdom on following your passion, becoming an expert, and how the principle of "finding your niche" applies far beyond trading cards.

Tune in and discover:

• A history lesson from the golden era of baseball card dominance

• The turning point that changed the hobby forever

• How to stop feeling overwhelmed and start collecting with purpose

• Why specializing can help collectors and dealers thrive

• What Joe’s current collecting niche is—and why it brings him joy

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes at one of the busiest sports card shops in the country? In this insider-packed episode, host Joe Davis peels back the curtain and gives listeners a rare look into the daily grind—and hidden treasures—of his Loganville, GA card shop.

From grading madness (think 17 million cards a year) to epic collection digs, Joe shares what’s hot, what’s moving, and how his team is revolutionizing the in-store experience with fresh inventory and old-school hobby fun. He even drops hints about the National, big consignment wins, and a few major expansions into coins and comics you won’t want to miss.

Bonus: Want to know how many boxes it takes to fill 600 square feet of show space? Joe's figuring it out—and he’s taking you along for the ride.

Whether you're a collector, seller, or just hobby-curious, this episode is a goldmine of insight, inspiration, and yes, a bit of Joe’s classic heart and hustle. Hit play—you’ll want in on what’s coming next.

In this special NBA-focused episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives deep into the relationship between championship success and sports card value—and why winning matters more than ever in the hobby.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrating their first-ever NBA title and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etching his name in history as both league and Finals MVP, Joe explores how playoff performance can instantly shift the landscape of player popularity and card prices.

From Cooper Flagg’s #1 overall pick to a nostalgic rewatch of The Last Dance, Joe unpacks the synergy of recent NBA events and timeless collecting wisdom. He compares legends like Bill Russell (11 rings) to modern-day greats like LeBron, Curry, and Shaq, and reveals three undervalued champions whose cards might be hobby goldmines—Steve Kerr, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwyane Wade.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A collector’s lens on why rings elevate card value across sports

• Insights into NBA history’s most decorated champions

• Market predictions for rising stars and overlooked legends

• Sharp advice on what to consider before your next big card investment

Whether you're a collector, investor, or basketball junkie, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the power of winning—and how to spot your next card market breakout.

Share your thoughts with Joe by emailing heyjoedavis@gmail.com. Episode sponsored by GotBaseballCards – Consign now for The National!